LINCOLN — Remember Shandon Anderson, who played in the NBA for 10 years, mostly with the New York Knicks?

Of course, you don't. But Shandon Goldman of Lincoln knows exactly who he is.

"My dad named me after Shandon Anderson, who played back in the 90's," Goldman said. "He enjoyed his game and he likes unusual names because it sets you apart from other people."

Goldman is setting himself apart as he nears the end of his junior season for the Wolves. Lincoln qualified for the state tournament last week when he made eight 3-pointers and finished with 26 points in a victory over Subiaco Academy.

"After that fourth 3-pointer, a light just switched on in my head," said Goldman, who averaged 11 points during the regular season. "I knew it was my night and Ossy (Escareno) did a good job of finding me for my shots."

Goldman, who also goes by the nickname "Biggie," hopes to carry his hot hand into the Class 4A state tournament at Lonoke, where the Wolves (21-5) open against Bauxite at 8:30 p.m. today. Lincoln also made the state tournament last year, but lost in the first round to Pocahontas.

"We want to be the first team from Lincoln, boys or girls, to win a game in the state tournament," Goldman said. "We've got a lot of seniors on the team who've won a lot of games. Last year was an exception when we got beat in the state tournament."

Goldman (6-foot-8, 190 pounds) contributed off the bench last year as a spot-up 3-point shooter. He moved into the starting lineup after he improved his overall game during the off-season. He is now a reliable defender and a shot-blocker after growing four inches from last season.

"Shandon is getting stronger and more confident every game," Lincoln coach Tim Rich said. "Last year, he pretty much stayed out there at the 3-point line. Now, he's getting rebounds, he's blocking shots, and learning how to play the whole game instead of just being a shooter."

Goldman followed his 26-point outburst with 13 points against Prairie Grove and 15 in an overtime loss to Maumelle in the regional finals.

"(Shandon) has improved a lot on his shooting and defensive ability," said Escareno, Lincoln's senior leader. "He's been working on his post moves and that will make him an even harder player to guard. We know he can shoot the threes."

Goldman will be back for another season with the Wolves. But he wants to win badly now for a Lincoln team that is dominated by seniors.

Bauxite (16-15) enters the state tournament after consecutive losses to Nashville and Central Arkansas Christian in regional tournament action.

"This is a special class, these seniors, one of the best that's ever come through Lincoln," Goldman said. "We've been playing real well together toward the end of the year and I think we can make it enjoyable for them in the state tournament."

Sports on 03/06/2014